Voters split on Proposition 29 tobacco tax
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Even with more than half the state’s precincts reporting, Proposition 29 was too close to call well after midnight Wednesday. Californians were split on whether to raise cigarette taxes by $1 a pack to fund cancer research.
State voters have not approved a tobacco tax at the ballot box in 14 years. The Legislature hasn’t raised tobacco taxes since 1994.
MAP: Prop 29 cigarette tax results
Proposition 29 would raise an estimated $860 million a year, according to an estimate by the nonpartisan state legislative analyst’s office.
The money would be for research on prevention, diagnosis, treatment and potential cures for tobacco-related diseases, including cancer, heart disease and emphysema; for building or leasing facilities; and for law-enforcement programs to reduce illegal sales to minors and smuggling.
INTERACTIVE MAP: California primary results
Proponents said the measure would save lives. Opponents called it a bureaucratic boondoggle.
The funds would be administered by a new nine-member Cancer Research Citizens Oversight Committee with four members appointed by the governor, including three from a designated California cancer center; two chosen by the state director of public health; and three others from a University of California campus.ALSO:
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